Packaging machine



April 18,1944. G. A. ROBINSON PACKAGING MACHINE v 4 Shee'ts-Sheet 1 Filed May 16, 1941- M (M w ATTORNEY INVENTOR BYy April 1944- G. A. ROBINSON 7,

PACKAGING MACHINE Filed May 16, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR BY w FM dam QLM ATTORNEY Aprin 1944- G. A. ROBINSON 2,347,124

PACKAGING MACHINE Filed May 16, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR .W QLML L ATTORNEY Patented Apr. 18, 1944 PACKAGING MACHINE George A. Robinson, Milton, Mass., assignor to Pneumatic Scale Corporation. Limited, Quincy, Mass., a corporation of Massachusetts Application May 16, 1941, Serial No. 393,853

12 Claims.

This invention relates to a packaging machine and particularly to an adhesive applying device for a packaging machine.

The invention has for an object to provide a novel and improved packaging machine having an adhesive applying device of novel, and improved construction, particularly adapted, among other uses, for applying adhesive to the interior surfaces of the closing flaps of a container in a manner such as to obtain the most eflicient results in the sealing operation and so as to enable a tight and substantially sift-proof seal to be obtained.

With this general object in view and such others as may hereinafter appear, the invention consists in the packaging machine and in the various structures, arrangements and combinations of parts hereinafter described and particularly defined in the claims at the end of this specification.

In the drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a sufiicient portion of a packaging machine, embodying the adhesive applying device, to enable the present invention to be understood; Fig. 2 is a plan view, as viewed from the line 2-2 of Fig. 1, some of the parts being omitted for clearness of illustration; Fig. 3, is a plan view as viewed from the line 3-3 of Fig. 1, showing some of the parts which were omitted in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail view in front elevation showing the adhesive applying members and associated mechanism; Fig. 5 is a plan view of the mechanism shown in Fig. 4, as viewed from the line 55 thereof; Fig. 6 is a detail view showing the adhesive applying members in a different position of operation; Fig. '7 is an enlarged detail view in side elevation as viewed from the line 1-1 of Fig. 4; and Figs. 8 and 9 are views in side elevation of safety devices for controlling the operation of the adhesive applying members in the event that no container is present, as will be hereinafter more fully described.

In general, the present invention contemplates an improved packaging machine embodying a novel adhesive. applying device particularly adapted among other purposes, to be used in the application of adhesive to the interior surfaces of the closing flaps of a container. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the container is supported in a pocket mounted upon an endless chain arranged to be intermittently driven to present the container to the various instrumentalities of the packaging machine for insertion thereof between the walls of the prepartially forming the top closure, applying adhesive to the interior surfaces of the partially formed closure, applying pressure to the closure to perform the sealing operation and thereafter folding the sealed closure down upon the container to complete the closing and sealing thereof. The instrumentalities for preforming the closure and for subsequently pressing and folding the closure may comprise any of the usual mechanisms now in use, the present invention being particularly directed to the adhesive applying mechanism.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, provision is made for applying adhesive to the interior surfaces of an elongated top closure formed by folding outwardly two opposed portions of an open end container and then pressing together the remaining two opposite walls. In prior adhesive applying mechanisms employed for this purpose, the adhesive applying member for insertion between the upstanding walls of the preformed closure was made in one piece and necessarily had to be made of a width substantially less than the full width of the elonsated closure to permit entrance of the adhesive applying member. Consequently, portions of the closure did not receive adhesive, and as a result, certain portions. particularly near the ends of the closure, were, left unsealed, leaving openings through which finely divided or powdered materials being packaged might eventually escape during subsequent handling and during transportation of the package.

In accordance with the present invention, the adhesive applying member is constructed to be contracted in width in order to facilitate the formed closure, and for thereafter expanding the adhesive applying member after insertion" into the closure in order to apply adhesive to the full length of the interior surfaces of the closure forming flaps. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, provision is also made for applying pressure to the exterior surfaces of the closure forming flaps so as to eifect wiping of the adhesive from the applying member to the interior surfaces of the closure during the withdrawal of the applying member therefrom, Thus, when pressure is subsequently applied to firmly press and seal the adjacent walls of the closure together at a subsequent station, a complete seal is effected at the mouth thereof.

Another feature of the present invention resides in the provision of safety mechanisms including detectors for detecting the presence or absence of a container at or being advanced to the applying station arranged to control the movement of the adhesive applying members to prevent the transfer of adhesive from the suppy roll to the applying members in the event a container is not being advanced into applying position, and to prevent the interposition of the applying members between the presser members in the event no container is present at the applying station.

Referring now to the drawings, the present adhesive applying mechanism is preferably embodied in a packaging machine such as a top closing machine in which provision is made for forming an elongated top closure upon the container prior to the arrival thereof at the adhesive applying station. The containers ID are preferably supported in pockets l2, which may be mounted upon endless carrier chains H arranged to be intermittently moved to present the containers to the various stations in the top closing machine. The illustrated top closure is preferably formed by folding outwardly two opposed portions of an open end container and pressing together the remaining two opposite walls to provide an elongated closure for the mouth of the container having opposing upstanding walls l4, l6. Provision may also be made at such previous station for preforming the elongated closure in a manner such as to present the upper edges thereof spaced apart to facilitate entrance of the adhesive applying member therebetween, as will be described.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the adhesive applying mechanism includes a pair of adhesive applying members of blades I8, 28 mounted to be capable of movement into engagement with an adhesive supply roller 22 whereby the members are provided with a film of adhesive, and then back into a position above and in operative relation to the closure to, be provided with adhesive.

42, 43. A cam lever 44 also mounted fast upon the cross-shaft 48 is provided with a cam roll 46 arranged to cooperate with a cam 48 mounted fast upon a cam shaft 58 forming part of the packaging machine. Thus, a rocking movement of the blade supporting unit is provided to move the adhesive applying blades toward and from the supply roll 22, as illustrated in full and dotted lines in Fig. 3.

In order to control the movement of the adhesive applying unit so as to efiect a wiping action of the blades I8, 20 against the supply roll 22, and to effect lowering and raising of the blades into and out of the elongated closure of a container presented in operative relation thereto, a second cam 52 is provided which cooperates with a cam roll 54 carried by a lever 56 pivotally mounted on the cross-shaft 48. The cam lever 56 is connected by a link 58 to an arm 80 formed integrally with the arm 26, as shown in Fig. 3, so as to form a four bar linkage operative to control the vertical movement of the adhesive applying unit during its rocking movement as effected by the cam 48, as above described. The

cam 52 is designed so that in operation the adhesive applying blades I8, 20 are caused to follow an upward wiping movement in engagement with the periphery of the supply roller 22.

As illustrated inFigs. 1 and 2, the adhesive supply roller 22 may form part of an adhesive supply mechanism of any usual or preferred form including a cooperating spreader roll 62. The cooperating rollers 22, 62 are continuously supplied with adhesive from a pipe 64 forming part of a recirculating system, the surplus adhesive being guided back to the source of supply through the funnel 66, as shown in Fig. 1. The rollers 22, 62 are geared together through cooperating gears 68, I8, one of which may be driven through connections (not shown) from. the packaging machine.

In the operation of the device, when the adhesive applying unit is returned to the position shown in Fig. 1, above and in operative relation to the closure to which adhesive is to be applied, the cam 52 through the four bar linkage described, operates to lower the adhesive applying blades I8, 20 between the walls [4, l6 of the elongated closure to transfer the adhesive thereto. Thereafter the blades 18, 20 are raised to their starting position, above the closure, to again be rocked forward into engagement with the supply roll, as above described.

In accordance with the present invention, prior to the introduction of the applying blades I8, 20

between the walls of the closure, provision is made for contracting the blades so as to facilitate their insertion between the walls of the closure. As best shown in Fig. 3, the slidingly mounted blades I8, 28 are arranged to be moved longitudinally of the rod 24 toward and away from each other through connections including links l2, 14, a bell crank 16 pivotally mounted upon and carried by the arm 28, and a three-armed lever 18 similarly pivotally mounted upon the arm 26. One arm 88 of the bell crank 16 is provided with a slot 82 arranged to receive a pin 84 carried by one arm 86 of the three-armed lever 18. A spring 89 extended between the arm 26 and the arm 86 is arranged to urge the applying blades I8, 28 away from each other to their fully expanded position, as illustrated in dotted lines in Fig. 3. In order to contract the blades to their full line position shown in Fig. 3, provision is made for engaging an outwardly extended arm 96 of the three-armed lever with an adjustable screw 92 carried in the end of one arm 94 of a cam lever 86 rockingly mounted on the cross-shaft 48. A cam 98 mounted upon the cam shaft 50 is arranged to cooperate with a cam roll I00 carried by the cam lever 96 to eifect engagement of the screw 92 with the extended arm when the blade unit is rocked into position to present the blades above the closure, and through the linkage above described the blades are contracted prior to being lowered between the walls of theclosure. Upon being lowered into the closure, the cam'98 operates to remove the screw 92 from engagement with the arm 90 whereupon the blades are again expanded by the spring 89 to the full length of the closure, the outer edges of the blades being yieldingly urged against the ends of the closure by the spring 89. It will be observed that the blades are normally limited in their outward movement by engagement with the ends of the supporting arms 26, 28 as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 3. However, when the blades are expanded within the closure they are naturally limited in their outward movement by the ends of the closure, as above described, thus assuring contact of the walls of the closure with the blades and the application of adhesive to the full length thereof irrespective of variations in the length of the closure upon successive containers presented to the applying mechanism.

Referring now to Figs. 4, 5 and 6, as illustrated therein, provision is maderfor rocking one of the blades I8 to an offset position with respect to its companion blades 20, prior to the contraction of the blades in order toprevent interference of one with the other during contraction, and in order to prevent adhesive from being wiped from one to the other as they overlap one another during such contraction. As herein shown, the blade 20 is directly attached to its hub 23 while the blade I8 is mou'hted to be capable of pivotal movement with relation to its hub I9. The hubs I8 and 23 are retained in longitudinal alignment with each other by the provision of an elongated tongue I02 extending from the hub 23 which is arranged to be received in a groove I04 formed in the hub I8. The pivotally mounted blade I8 is normally retained in longitudinal alignment with the blade 20 by a spring I 06 when the blades are in their expanded position, as shown in Fig. 6. In order to rock the blade I8 upon its pivotal stud I08 as the blades are contracted, an arm I I formed integrally with the pivotal connection H2, is provided with an upstanding pin II4 arranged to be engaged by the tongue I02 during the contracting movement to efiect rocking cf the blade I8 as above described, against the tension of the spring I06. It will be observed that the end of the tongue I02 is beveled to provide a cam action against the pin H4 at the start of the contracting movement. In operation, when the blades are lowered into the closure and are again expanded, the tongue I02 leaves the pin I I4 to permit the blade I8 to again be brought back into alignment with its companion blade 20. It will be understood that the upper edges of the walls of the closure I4, I6 are sufliciently spaced, as indicated at the top of Fig. 2, to permit entrance of the blades in their offset condition.

Referring now to Figs. 4, 5 and 7, as above stated, provision is made for applying pressure against the exterior surfaces of the closure walls I4, I6 when the adhesive applying blades I8, 20 are inserted therebetween in order to effect transference of the adhesive from the blades to the interior surface of the closure during withdrawal of the blades therefrom. Simultaneously therewith, provision isalso made for grasping the neck of the closure below the point of extension of the blades into the closure, as illustrated in Fig. 7,

ative engagement with the exterior surfaces of the walls I4, I6 when the blades I8, 20 have been fully inserted into the closure. As shown in Fig. 7, the presser members I20, I22 are carried upon studs I48, I50 slidingly mounted in the opposing pairs of arms and are arranged to yield upon engagement with the closure by the provision of coil springs I52. The headed ends I54 of the studs limit the outward movement of the pressers to retain them in their supports when not in engagement with the closure.

It will be observed that the inner edges of the applying members I8, 20 are angularly arranged with respect to one another so that when the applying members are withdrawn from between the walls I4, I6 being pressed into engagement therewith a film of adhesive will be wiped across the angular spaced portion I2I, formed between the members whereby to assure a continuous film of adhesive across the entire mouth of the container.

As best shown in Figs. 4 and 7, a pair of opposed gripper plates I55, I56 attached to similarly mounted arms I58, I60 and I62, I64 respectively, are arranged to yieldingly engage the neck portion of the container closure during the engagement of the pressers I20, I22 therewith. The arms I58, I60 are pivotally mounted upon the supporting arms I24, I26 respectively, and the arms I62, I64 are likewise carried upon the supporting arms I28, I30. The arms are yieldingly mounted to engage the neck of the container by springs I66 carried in sockets I68 formed in the pivotal arms, and which bear against ofiset plates I10 attached to the supporting arms, as clearly shown in Fig. 4. A stop bar I12 also carried by each supporting up is arranged to limit the movement of the DiVOl ally mounted gripper arms in order to prevent the mouth portion of the container from being drawn upwardly with the applying blades during their withdrawal movement. As herein shown, a pair of rubber faced presser members I20, I22 are yieldingly mounted in opposed pairs of supporting arms I24, I26 and I28, I30, respectively. The arms I24, I26 are mounted fast upon a cross-shaft I32 journaled in the side frames 42, 43. The cross-shaft I32 is arranged to be rocked through connections including a cam lever I34, also fast upon the crossshaft I32 and which carries a cam roll I36 cooperating with a cam I38 fast on the cam shaft 50. The arms I28, I30 are similarly mounted upon a cross-shaft I48 arranged to be rocked in an opposing direction through connections including a cam I42, roller I44 and cam lever I46. The cams I38 and I42 are designed to rock the opposing rpresser members I 20, I22 into cooperneck of the closure. With this construction, it will be seen that the elongated closure flaps are yieldingly retained in their normal position while the presser members I20, I 22 bear against the exterior surfaces of the walls thereof whereby to prevent distortion of the closure during the withdrawal of the applying blades I8, 20.

The safety mechanisms for controlling the operation of the adhesive applying blades in the event that a container is absent from any of the pockets I2 will now be described. In the operation of the machine, the blade unit is arranged to be rocked to present the blades, in their normally exlpanded condition, against. the adhesive supply roll 22, during the time in which a new container is being advanced into operative position to be provided with adhesive. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, provision is made for preventing the transfer of adhesive from the supply roll to the blades in the event that a container is absent from the pocket at the station immediately prior to the adhesive applying station or during its travel from such prior station to the latter so as to prevent an excessive accumulation of adhesive upon the applying blades. As best shown in Fig. 9, in such an event, provision is made for rocking the blades upon their pivot 24 so as to avoid engagement of the blades with the supply roll 22, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 9.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 3, the rocking of the blades is effected through connections including an arm I14 formed integrally with the blade hub 23, link I16, a bell crank I18 pivotally mounted on the shaft 30 and a link I connected 'grally with the latch member I88.

to one arm I82 of a bell crank rockingly mounted on the cross-shaft 48. The second arm I84 of the bell crank is arranged to be engaged by the longer member I 88 of two latch members I88, I88 pivotally mounted at I98 in a bracket I92 attached to the side frame 48. As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, the longer latch member I88 is operatively connected to a detecting mechanism including a feeler bar I94 arranged to detect the presence or absence of a container in the pocket being advanced to the applying station. As shown in Fig. 1 the feeler bar I94 is mounted fast upon a rocker shaft I98 and is arranged to be rocked counterclockwise into the path of the oncoming container by a spring I98, and to be rocked clockwise by the engagement of the container with the bar, which as illustrated in Fig. 1 extends from the prior station to a point adjacent but not engaging the container at the applying station. The rocker shaft I98 is journaled in bearings 288 attached to the machine frame, and the connections between the rocker shaft and the latch member I88 include an arm 282 fast on the rocker shaft I98, link :04, bell crank 20:, and a link 20a swivelly connected to an arm 2I8 formed inte- The link 288 is slidingly mounted in its swivelled connection and a collar 2I2 fast on the link is arranged to engage the swivel to positively urge the latch I88 'in a clockwise direction and into the path of the arm I84 when there is no container present cluding a cooperating cam roller 288 carried by one arm 232 of a three-armed lever pivotally mountedi'on the safety latch pivot I 98, and a link 284 connecting a second arm 288 of the threein the pocket. A spring 2 interposed between,

the opposite side of the swivel and a second collar 2I8 also fast on the link 288 is arranged to yieldingly rock the latch in a counterclockwise direction when there is a container present in the pocket.

In the normal operation of the device, when there is a container present in the pocket, and the latch I88 is rocked up out of the path of the arm I84, the latter will engage the second or shorter latch member I88. as shown in full lines in Fig. 9. Thus, normally the adhesive applying blades I8, 28 are retained in their substantially vertical position so as to permit the blades to engage the supply roll 22 as described. However, when the arm I84 is engaged by the latch I88, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 9, indicat-, ing the absence of a container from the pocket,

the blades will be rocked as shownto avoid the bell crank I18 is arranged to engage a stationary resetting cam 222 on the return stroke of the blade supporting unit in order to rock the arm I84 into a position to be engaged by the latch I88 during the next cycle of operation, in the event a container is absent during such cycle.

Referring now particularly to Fig. 8, a second safety device is provided for controlling the operation of the blades I8, 28 to prevent lowering of the blades between the presser members I28, I22 in the event that a container is absent from the pocket at the applying station, so as to prevent the transfer of adhesive onto the presser members. The second safety device includes the shorter latch member I88 and a cam operated feeler or detector arm 224 arranged to be rocked into and out of the path of the container at the applying station. The feeler arm 224 is mounted upon a vertical rod 228 which is arranged to be rocked through connections from a cam 228 inarmed lever to an arm 288 mounted fast on the vertical rod 228. It will be observed that ball and socket connections 248 are employed throughout the device wherever the parts partake of an oscillatory as well as a lateral movement. A coil spring 242 carried in a socket formed in the third arm 244 of the three-armed lever bears against the upper surface of the bracket I92 and urges the three-armed lever in a counterclockwise direction, viewing Figs. 1 and 8, to cause the roller 288 to follow its cam 228. Thus the detector arm 224 is rocked into and out of the path of the container at the applying station during the operation of the machine. The shorter latch member I88 is connected to the second arm 288 of the three-armed lever by a spring 248 connected to an arm 248 formed integrally with the latch member I88. A set screw "288 adjustably carried by the arm 288 is arranged to bear against'the arm 248, as clearly shown in Figs. 1 and 8, the latter being urged thereagainst by the spring 248. Thus, in operation, the latch member I88 will tend to follow the cam operated lever during its rocking movement to present the feeler arm 224 into and out of the path of the container at the applying station.

In the normal operation of the second safe-- ty device, when there is a container present in the pocket I2 at the applying station, the movement of the feeler arm 224 into the path of the container will be arrested upon engagement therewith, thus holding the three-armed lever and the latch member I 88 in the position shown in Figs. 1 and 8, against the tension of the spring 242, the cam roll 288 being held away from its cam 228 during this time. Thus, normally the arm I84 will be engaged by the latch member I88, as illustrated in full lines in Fig. 8, which will maintain the blades I8, 28 in their substantially vertical position as they are lowered into the closure as previously described. However, in the event that a container is absent at the applying station, the roller 288 will follow its cam 228 and the latch member I88 will be rocked counterclockwise out of the path of the arm I84, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 8. Thus. the blades I8, 28 will be permitted to rock counterclockwise on their pivot 24, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 8, and when the blade unit is lowered, as above described, the blades will assume a position to the right of the presser members I28, I22 so as to avoid engagement of the presser members against the adhesively coated surface of the applying blades. As illustrated in Fig. 8, the rocking movement of the blades is limited by the engagement of the roller 228 with the inclined surface 252 of the stationary cam 222 and the latter also eilects resetting of the arm I84 to be again engaged by the latch members I88, I88, upon the forward movement of the blade supporting unit as above described.

From the above description it will be observed that the present construction of the adhesive applying device is particularly adapted for the application of adhesive upon the interior surfaces of the container closing flaps and enables the application of adhesive to the full length of such interior surfaces whereby to permit a completely sealed closure to be provided across the entire mouth of the container to enable the production of a substantially sift-proof container, In the preferred and illustrated embodiment of the invention adhesive is applied to the interior surface of only one of the closing flaps, the opposing surface being pressed into engagement with the adhesive coated surface to produce a firm seal. It

will be understood, however, that the interior surfaces of the entire mouth of the container may be provided with adhesive if desired. It will also be understood that the present mechanism may be used in the application of adhesive to other types of closures. It will also be observed that the novel control mechanism embodied in the present adhesive applying device for controlling the operation of the adhesive applying members enables the packaging machine to be operated with maximum efficiency.

- While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been herein illustrated and described, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied in other forms within the scope of the following claims.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is:

1. In a packaging machine, in combination, means for supporting a container having extended closure forming portions, a pair of adhesive applying members movable into and from engagement with the interior surfaces of the walls of said closure forming portions to perform the applying operation, means for contracting said members to facilitate insertion within said walls, and means for expanding said members after insertion whereby to permit the application of ad hesive to the desired portions of the interior surfaces of said closure forming portions,

2. In a packaging machine, in combination, means for supporting a container having extended closure forming portions, a pair of adhesive applying members movable into and from engagement with the interior surfaces of the walls of said closure forming portions to perform the applying operation, means for contracting said members to facilitate insertion within said walls, and means for yieldingly expanding said members after insertion whereby to permit the application of adhesive to the desired length of the interior surfaces of said closure forming portions.

3. In a packaging machine, in combination, means for supporting a container .having an elongated closure, a pair of adhesive applying members movable into and out of engagement with the interior surfaces oiiipthe walls of said closure to perform the applying operation, means for contracting said members to facilitate inser' tion within said walls, and means for yieldingly expanding said members after insertion whereby to permit the application of adhesive to the interlor surfaces of said elongated closure, said' members being limited in their yielding expansive movement by engagement with the ends of said elongated closure.

4. In a packaging machine, in combination, means for supporting a container having extended closure forming portions, contractible adhesive applying means movable into and from a position within the walls of said closure forminiportions to perform the applying operation, means for contracting said means to facilitate insertion within said walls, means for expanding said means after insertion into engagement with the ends of said closure forming portions whereby to permit the application of adhesive to substantially the full length of the interior surfaces thereof, and means forfliressing the flaps into to engagement with said adhesive applying member whereby to effect transference of the adhesive from theapplying means to said interior surfaces during withdrawal of the .radhesive applying smeans. ff

5. In a packagingmachine, in combination, means for supporting a container having an elongated closure, a pair of adhesive applying members movable into and from the interior of said l0 closure to perform the applying operation, means for longitudinally contracting said members to facilitate insertion within said walls, means for iongitudinally expanding said members after insertlon whereby to permit the application of adhesive loto substantially the full length of the interior sur- -fa?.es-;ofsaid closure, and means for pressing at least one wall of the closure into engagement with said adhesive applying members whereby to effect transference of the adhesive from the applying members to the interior surface thereof during withdrawal ofthe adhesive applying members. 4

6.111 a packaging. machine, in combination, means for supporting a containerhaving an elongated closure, contractible adhesive applying means movable into and from a position within said closure to perform the adhesive applying operation, means for contracting said adhesive applying means to facilitate insertion within said closure, means for expanding said means after insertion whereby to pennit the application of adhesive to substantially the full length of the interior surfaces of said elongated closure, and means for gripping the neck portion of said closure whereby to prevent adherenc of the closure to said adhesive applying means during the withdrawal thereof from within the closure. k

7. In a packaging machine, in combination,

4.) means for supporting a container having an elongated closure, contractible adhesive applying means movable into and from a position within said closure to perform the adhesive applying operation, means for contracting said within the closure, means for expanding said -means after insertion whereby to permit the application of adhesive to substantially the full length of the interior surfaces of said elongated closure, means for pressing the walls of said closure into engagement with said adhesive applying means during withdrawal of the latter, and means for gripping the neck of the closure whereby to prevent adherence of the closure to the adhesive applying means during suchwithdrawal movement. w

8. In a packaging machine, in combination, means for supporting a container having an extended closure, contractible adhesive applying means, an adhesive supply roll, means for moving the applying means into cooperative engage-' ment with thesupply roll toreceive a film of adhesive, means for moving the adhesive applying means into and out of engagement with the interior surfaces of said closure to'perform the applying operation. means for contracting said means to facilitate insertion into said clo- *sure, means for expanding said means after insertion whereby to permit application of adhesive to substantially the full length of the closure, and control means for preventing the engagement of said applying means with said supply roll in the event of the absence of a container from said supporting means.

9. In a packaging machine, in combination,

adhesive applying means to facilitate insertion the latter, means for contracting said means to facilitate insertion between the closure, means for exp nding said means after insertion whereby to permit the application of adhesive to substantially the'full length of the interior surfaces of said elongated closure, and control means for deflecting said adhesive applying means out of the path of said pressing means in the event that a container is absent from said supporting means.

10. In a packaging machine, in combination, container supporting means for supporting a container having a closure, an adhesive applying mechanism comprising adhesive supply means, and an adhesive applying member moveable into and from engagement with said supply means and adapted to receive adhesive from said supply means, and mechanical control means for holdingsaid adhesive applying member out of engagement with said adhesive supply means in the event oi the absence of a container from operative position.

11.-In a packaging machine, in combination, means for supporting a container having a closure, adhesive applying means comprising adhesive supply means and an adhesive applying member movable into and out of engagement with said adhesive supply means and adapted to receive adhesive from said supply means, means for moving the adhesive applying member into and from the closure, and mechanical control means for holding the adhesive applying member out of engagement with said supply means in the event of the absence of a container from operative position.

12. In a packaging machine, in combination, means for supporting a container having a closure, an adhesive applying member, means for moving the adhesive applying member into and from the closure, means for pressing together the walls of the, closureinto engagement with said adhesive applying member during withdrawal of the latter from the closure, and control means for moving said adhesive applying member out of the path of said presser members in the event of the absence of a container from operative position.

GEORGE A. ROBINSON. 

